Fighting by Minutes

Time and the Art of War By Robert R. Leonhard

By Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Leonhard; reviewed by CW4 William Bryant

Article published on: July 13, 2025 in the Special Warfare Summer 2025 (Vol. 38, No. 1)

Read Time: < 6 mins

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Leonhard’s Fighting by Minutes: Time and the Art of War offers a compelling exploration of the critical role that time plays in military strategy and operations, making it an essential read for Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF). The book’s core thesis emphasizes that mastery of time—how it is measured, how it is managed, and how it can be applied strategically—is paramount in achieving battlefield success. Leonhard masterfully ties together historical and contemporary examples to demonstrate that the effective use of time can make the difference between defeat and victory. As ARSOF units operate in complex, ambiguous environments where rapid adaptation is key, Leonhard’s insights provide invaluable guidance on the integration of time as a warfighting variable.

Fighting by Minutes presents several contemporary themes that are relevant to military professionals at all levels. For one, it emphasizes the importance of sequencing and phasing, showing how minute-by-minute analysis can improve operational effectiveness. The book also explores managing operational tempo, command and control under stress, and the need for adaptability in decision-making. Additionally, it addresses the integration of joint forces and the use of technology and data to support rapid decisions. The book ties these themes together, stressing that success in combat relies on precise timing, clear guidance, and quick, informed decisions at all levels of command.

One of the most compelling themes Leonhard explores is the tempo and timing of military operations within maneuver warfare. He argues that the ability to accelerate or decelerate the tempo of combat can disrupt enemy decision-making and create opportunities for decisive action. Leonhard’s theory on “duration, frequency, sequence, and opportunity” is directly applicable to strategic, operational, and tactical-level planning and execution. For ARSOF, this translates to the execution of rapid strikes and deliberate maneuvers to achieve operational surprise and psychological advantage. Additionally, Leonhard’s historical analysis of battles, such as Guderian’s blitzkrieg, underscores that operational success depends on a commander’s use of timing to shape the enemy’s perception and response. In the modern operational environment, this principle demonstrates the value of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets in facilitating rapid decision-making cycles, enabling ARSOF to capitalize on fleeting opportunities.

Another takeaway for ARSOF is the relevance of the often-overlooked element of time to information warfare. Leonhard advocates for a holistic approach, where timely execution of information operations and rapid decision-making enable success in a four-dimensional battlefield. This approach emphasizes the importance of integrating intelligence and information forces into deliberate planning and execution. ARSOF can also effectively apply this theme to operations in the information environment and the synchronization of information forces. For ARSOF units, this means the integrated use of information forces to maintain temporal dominance. If managed and timed correctly, information can shape perceptions, influence decisions, and create operational tempo advantages in support of the Army and the Joint Force. Fighting by Minutes reinforces the idea that information warfare is not secondary but integral to war.

Ultimately, Leonhard’s emphasis on the 'art of minutes' serves as a powerful reminder of the strategic importance of time in warfare. For ARSOF, this principle underscores the value of immersive training environments and the development of agile decision-making skills to navigate the uncertainties of modern battlefields. His work not only illuminates the historical and theoretical aspects of time as a warfighting variable but also provides actionable guidance for today’s military professionals. Fighting by Minutes is an indispensable resource for those seeking to master the military application of time to gain tactical and operational advantages in complex environments.